An inmate has been found dead in his cell in Ireland’s most secure prison wing, it has emerged.
The Mirror has confirmed that Galway man Gerard Barrett (50) died in his cell at the National Violence Reduction Unit, part of the Midlands Prison in Portlaoise, Co Laois.
Nobody else was involved, sources say, and his death is being treated as a personal tragedy.
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The NVRU, a specially-built €2.7 million unit, was first opened in November 2018.
It is designed to hold dangerous prisoners who cannot be housed anywhere else.
Specially trained prison officers and even psychologists are on constant call to try to reduce their propensity for violence.
Each inmate has his own individual prison officer and special cell – and undergo a unique mental health programme, to help them control their urges for violence.
And they also have, depending on their progress in the programme, access to facilities including a multipurpose room with a TV, kitchen and PS4 games console.
Barrett was on remand for an alleged robbery.
The Irish Prison Service confirmed an investigation was underway last night.
A spokeswoman said: “The Irish Prison Service can confirm that there was a death of a person in the custody of the Irish Prison Service on 31st May 2023 and the next of kin have been notified.
“This death in custody will be investigated by the Irish Prison Service, The Inspector of Prisons and An Garda Síochána, where circumstances warrant.
“The cause of death is determined by the Coroner’s Office.”
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